Can You Board Starborn Ships in Starfield? The Definitive Answer
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The allure of the Starborn ships in Starfield is undeniable. Their sleek designs and powerful capabilities make them a desirable prize for any spacefarer. But the burning question on many players’ minds is: Can you board and commandeer these enigmatic vessels? The simple, yet somewhat disappointing, answer is no. While you can encounter Starborn ships in space, engaging in combat with them, and even damaging their engines, it is not possible to board or steal these ships in the base game. Any attempt to dock with a Starborn ship will result in a message stating that it’s inaccessible or docking is not possible.
Why Can’t You Steal Starborn Ships?
This restriction seems to be deliberately implemented by the developers. The Starborn ships are deeply tied to the game’s lore and the New Game Plus (NG+) experience. Acquiring one outside of the intended progression would likely disrupt the game’s balance and narrative. The Starborn Guardian, in particular, is designed as a reward for progressing through the game multiple times. This intentional constraint maintains the ship’s unique value.
The game mechanics also reinforce this limitation. Even if you manage to disable a Starborn ship, the docking prompt simply won’t appear. No matter your skill level or ship modifications, you are barred from accessing the ship’s interior. This highlights the inherent design choice to keep the Starborn ships firmly out of the player’s reach during their initial playthrough.
Mastering Ship Combat and Acquisition in Starfield
While you can’t steal Starborn ships, Starfield offers ample opportunities to acquire and customize a vast array of other spacecraft. Mastering ship combat and understanding the mechanics of ship acquisition are essential for any aspiring space captain. Let’s delve into how you can obtain other ships in the game.
How to Acquire Ships
- Purchasing Ships: The most straightforward way to expand your fleet is by buying ships from various vendors at spaceports across the settled systems. Each vendor offers a unique selection of ships with different stats and capabilities.
- Stealing Ships: A more adventurous method is to steal ships from enemy factions. This involves disabling their engines, boarding the vessel, and eliminating all enemies on board. However, this requires the Targeting Control Systems skill.
- Quest Rewards: Many quests in Starfield offer ships as rewards. These ships are often unique and powerful, making quest completion a worthwhile endeavor.
Essential Skills for Ship Combat and Piloting
- Piloting: This skill is crucial for flying higher-class ships (B and C class). Upgrading this skill allows you to control more powerful and heavily armed vessels.
- Targeting Control Systems: This skill is necessary for disabling enemy ship engines, which is a prerequisite for boarding and stealing them.
- Ship Command: This skill increases your ship’s crew capacity, allowing you to assign more crew members to your ship for added bonuses and effectiveness.
Ship Customization
Once you’ve acquired a ship, you can customize it extensively at any ship services technician or your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. This includes:
- Changing Modules: Swap out modules like reactors, engines, weapons, and shields to optimize your ship’s performance.
- Adding Weapons: Equip your ship with a variety of weapons, such as lasers, ballistics, and missiles, to suit your combat style.
- Modifying Appearance: Customize the paint job and add cosmetic elements to make your ship truly unique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ships in Starfield
1. Can you steal any ship in Starfield?
Yes, you can steal most ships in Starfield as long as you have the Targeting Control Systems skill unlocked and are capable of disabling their engines. The Starborn ships are the exception, and are not available for stealing.
2. What is the best early-game ship in Starfield?
The Razorleaf is widely considered the best early-game ship. It is highly maneuverable and has a decent weapon set for taking on lower-level enemies. It also triggers a unique encounter where spacers will flee upon seeing your ship, due to its legendary reputation!
3. How many ships can I own in Starfield?
You can own up to ten ships at a time in Starfield.
4. How do I increase my ship’s crew capacity?
You can increase your ship’s crew capacity by unlocking and leveling up the Ship Command skill. At Rank 4, this skill allows you to have a crew of up to eight. Additionally, you’ll need the Piloting skill to operate larger Type-B and Type-C ships that can accommodate more crew members.
5. Can I sell ships in Starfield?
Yes, you can sell ships to any ship services technician or at your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. You must have at least two ships to sell one, and you’ll need to take extra steps for selling stolen ships or those with contraband.
6. How do I join the Crimson Fleet?
You can join the Crimson Fleet Pirates faction by going undercover, though you can choose to become a full-fledged member later on. This opens up opportunities for piracy and unique quests.
7. Where can I find the best ship parts?
The availability of ship parts varies by location, but some notable places include:
- Stroud-Eklund Staryard: Known for high-quality ship components.
- Akila City: Offers a range of ship parts and customization options.
- Neon City: Provides access to unique and specialized ship modules.
8. What is the best reactor in Starfield?
The Pinch 8Z Reactor is considered the best C-Class reactor due to its high power output of 40. It is also widely regarded as the best overall reactor in the game.
9. Can I customize the interior of my ship?
While Starfield offers extensive exterior customization, interior customization is limited. You can modify the layout by changing modules, but you cannot decorate or rearrange furniture.
10. Are there any free ships I can acquire in Starfield?
Yes, there are several free ships you can obtain:
- Frontier: The ship you start with.
- Kepler R/S: Earned through a specific questline.
- Razorleaf: Acquired by following a specific quest related to the Mantis.
- Star Eagle: Obtained as a reward for completing the Freestar Rangers questline.
- UC Prison Shuttle: Can be acquired through a specific quest or encounter.
- Wanderwell: Given as a reward for siding with the UC during a quest
11. What happens to my old ship when I get a new one?
When you acquire a new ship, your old ship is automatically transferred to your owned ships and can be selected at any ship services technician or your outpost shipbuilder kiosk.
12. Can I have companions on my ship?
Yes, you can have companions on your ship. They provide various bonuses and skills that enhance your ship’s capabilities.
13. What are the best Class C ships to buy?
Some of the best Class C ships to buy include:
- Narwhal: A powerful and versatile ship.
- Abyss Trekker: A well-rounded ship with good combat and cargo capabilities.
14. What is the maximum ship length and width that I can have?
The maximum ship dimensions in Starfield are 80 meters in length and 40 meters in width.
15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning and the future of gaming?
For insights into the intersection of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They offer valuable resources and research on how games can be used for educational purposes.